I saw this movie with my daughter and we both were blown away by it. Maybe because my expectations (based on both good and bad reviews I read) were way different than what I saw. It was goofy and we laughed but mostly we cried. Very simple plot line but with some pretty meaningful underlying stuff!!
shareTotally agree, especially on the "meaningful underlying stuff" part. I think a lot of people take the theme of "looking for signs" and interconnectivity as being the full breadth of the film's existential message, when in actuality that's just Jeff's personal outlook at the start of the film and by the end he seems to have a more "carpe diem" sensibility. It's the character's journey through the events of that one day which show this subtle yet perfectly executed change, along with a myriad other small but thoughtful details. There's a review on the film's main page, at the moment, in which the writer, at the end, basically attacks the "waiting for one's destiny" concept that's set up at the outset of the story, as if it's the message and intent that the film is trying to sell us. I wish he could see that it goes far beyond this and indeed matches up with what he himself puts forth as a preferred alternative; too bad, as he seems to enjoy the film quite a bit aside from this one criticism.
The whole thing is done in such a surprisingly natural and believable way, with characters interacting the way they actually would in each situation which slowly builds sympathy for every character - even Ed Helms' character, which is very difficult to do considering how the first few scenes with him play out. Mostly, I loved how they didn't have people start acting overly dramatic in scenarios where most films would, instead keeping it realistic to the dynamic between the characters involved, as well as holding true to the idea that most of us avoid emotional release and/or confrontation as much as possible. The graveyard scene, in particular, comes to mind. All of this allows the payoff at the end to actually have power (a real rarity in film, no matter the quality), rather than merely an "oh, didn't see that coming" moment, because we've grown to care about what's happening to these people, we've related to them up until this point, so we end up right there in the water with them when things become serious. You totally buy the fear and heroism and frantic nature of it all, because the world has been set up so realistically throughout; everything seems so normal and safe and then suddenly it's not (which is how it would actually feel in such a situation, to be sure). That shot where you see Jeff go running by was absolutely thrilling.
I thought it was brilliantly done, and it's too bad it'll go completely under the radar mainly because, with that cast and general style of film making, it becomes very difficult to market. The writing, directing, acting, plot and lasting power all combine to make it something that can only really be felt as a whole; I honestly don't see how a 2-minute trailer could be put together that would impart to an audience what it would be like to watch the entire thing. No lie, one of the best films I've ever seen.
Oh, and in my post-viewing euphoria, after walking out of the theater on to the sidewalk, I saw a shipping label stuck to the outside of the building with words someone had written in marker,
"You make your own future"
Kinda floored me, considering both the ending idea of Jeff being proactive and his initial philosophy of looking for signs. I thought perhaps it had only recently been put there specifically by someone who had seen the film and who figured it would have an impact on others that see it - which would have drastically cut down on the eeriness being a planned thing to have it connect with someone such as myself - but, there was a printed date on the label of 2008, so it was likely there for a while. So... yea, probably added to my enjoyment of the film.
Really didn't mean to write that much, but it happens. To anyone who's read through all of this, I thank you. Cheers. I hope I made sense.
"Specificity?"
You made a lot of sense.
I agree about the trailers, most of the time they completely misrepresent the film. But I loved the film, like you said, it felt very honest.
'What is going on up here?'
'I never know, man.'
Not only did not not bore me but that was a very good read, which is rare for IMDB (:
share[deleted]
I saw this movie yesterday, in flight thinking it would be a comedy...and I really needed to see something lighthearted. It was more of a dramedy but I was pleasantly surprised with the depth of the script.
It was also quite pertinent for me since I was on my way to a new country for a new job and am full of doubts and anxiety. I really felt the conflict of the characters when they question their lives and choices. Very well written and directed.
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I saw this movie yesterday with almost no expectations because I didn't really remember the reviews for it but all I can say is that IT IS EMBARRASSING that this movie has a 6.8 on the site. Okay I get that maybe it just didn't speak to some people but my goodness was I blown away by how much I loved this movie.
It put a smile on my face, made me genuinely laugh at parts, got me to really care about these characters, made me cry, got me thinking, and left me with a very interesting and appealing message of hope. How could anyone ask for anything more from a film? This movie is at least a 7.5 and it is definitely going on my best of 2012 in film list.
I agree. This movie should have a much higher rating.
Its funny, has a good story.. left me smiling way after it ended.
Im quickly becoming a huge Jason Segal fan.
He's so easy to relate to. He's "the guy" in your class.
He's "the guy" that will listen to your boyfriend problems,even
tho he is crazy in love w/ you himself.
The kind of guy all the girls love..but arent "in love" with him.
Of this type of movie--which I figured would be a lightweight comedy
It was very very good.
On the featurette trailer.. They call it " new kind of comedy"
it truly was. It had a wonderful story.
I had quite a few out loud laughs.
I really enjoyed this movie as well! I laughed and cried too and it was one of the better movies I've seen this year.
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I completely agree.
It's not like this is a great movie, but it comes blindly out of left field and hits you with a completely unexpected emotional body blow.
My wife and I were speechless at the end.
It was a completely different viewing experience than we prepared ourselves for, and for that, the writers deserve some applause.
"Dying ain't much of a living boy" Josey Wales